Area residents headed abroad to help street dogs

Hey there, time traveller!This article was published 16/10/2012 (1514 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two northeast Winnipeg residents have a passion for dogs, and they’re travelling across the world to prove it.

Tannis Rentz and Mary Robinson, both graduates of Animal Health Technology at Red River College, will travel to Kathmandu, Nepal for three weeks next spring.

PHOTO BY ADRIAN ALLEYNE

Tannis Rentz (right) and Mary Robinson, who will be headed to Nepal next year to volunteer at the KAT Centre, with dogs Aspen, Willow and Capone.

While there they will volunteer at the Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre, or KAT, a non-profit treatment centre for sick and injured street dogs.

There are currently more than 20,000 dogs living on the streets of Kathmandu. Many are infected with rabies and other diseases that are a threat to humans.

Rentz, who lives in Transcona, said she has always loved animals and her upcoming trip will give her an opportunity to make a difference.

"I’ve always loved animals, I knew right from high school I would be involved with animals," said Rentz, who currently works at Western Financial Insurance Company, an insurance company that focuses on pet health insurance.

"I found out about Animal Experience International that helps people work with animals all over the world. I saw the dogs and how they were on the streets of Nepal and was touched."

Robinson, who also works at Western Financial Insurance Company and part time at the Pembina Veterinary Hospital, said the duo want the opportunity to help.

"We just want to help animals, we’re going to get back to the bare bones of medicine," the North Kildonan resident said.

"I have a lot of experience travelling in Canada, but I’m excited about this."

In order to make the trip, the duo needs to raise $5,000. They’re raising the money through a fundraising website and by selling homemade, organic dog treats.

Rentz and Robinson have raised $2,000 to date. The deadline for raising money on the site is Nov. 24.

"Right now in veterinary clinics here they have the fancy equipment, but places like Nepal work with very little," Rentz said.

"To work with them will be a great learning experience. This will also pave the way for others in the industry and let them know that they can use their skills in different ways."

Robinson and Rentz will be at the Red River College Notre Dame Avenue campus on Oct. 17 and Nov. 21 selling dog treats at 11:30 a.m., and at the Princess Street campus on Oct. 24 and Nov. 28 also at 11:30 a.m.

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